Presentation of the topic

3 min read

Definition

Green energy is a term for energy that comes from renewable sources. Green energy is often referred to as clean, sustainable, or renewable energy. The production of green energy doesn’t release toxic greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, meaning it causes little or no environmental impact. Types of green energy:

Solar energy: Solar power is a relatively accessible resource, and people can harness solar power industrially or individually by installing solar panels on buildings and homes.
Wind power: The harnessing of wind power doesn’t require much human labour, and it is known as one of the most environmentally friendly resources.
Hydropower: Hydropower plants capture kinetic energy from the currents flowing in streams and rivers.
Biomass: Energy which is generated from agricultural, urban and industrial waste.
Geothermal: Geothermal energy is the thermal energy in the Earth’s crust.

The importance and relevance of the topic

Green energy sources are characterised by the fact that they are not depleted if managed sensibly. This is particularly important to underline at a time of energy crisis in Europe. Increasing their use would have a number of positive effects, such as improving the quality of the environment and conserving traditional energy sources. The clear benefit of using renewable energy sources is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide. The extent of this depends on the type of renewable energy source that replaces the conventional (fossil) energy source, but in all cases the reduction is significant. In addition, their use generally emits no or much lower levels of harmful substances. The need to use renewable energy sources is above all important from an environmental point of view.

Current issues and challenges for this topic

Renewable energy technology becomes better, cheaper, and easier to access every year. Yet, renewable energy sources are only responsible for 20% of our global energy consumption. There are challenges for renewable energy introduction to our daily use.

The first of challenges to consider is the issue surrounding efficient, affordable and reliable energy storage. One of the major problems with renewable energy generation is that supplies are far more variable than other means of energy generation.
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges faced by the renewable energy sector is economics. Specifically, the financial issues involved in bringing renewable technologies and renewable energy to the masses.
Inextricably linked with economic concerns are the political challenges of the transition to renewables. As authorities in certain countries continue to take great strides in the right direction, other jurisdictions are being left behind.
Wholesale, widespread use of renewables to meet the energy demand is essential. But the transition will be harder to achieve due to the lack of reliable large-scale energy grids. Energy infrastructure is, in many regions, underfunded, poorly maintained, and insufficiently stable or resilient to meet the demands of the future.

EU Policy Framework relating to the topic

The European Green Deal will transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, ensuring: